Ondo varsity workers demand 10 years of unpaid allowances

Senior staff members at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, have formally requested the state government and university management to settle a decade's worth of unpaid allowances and other entitlements.

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We desire a holistic review of the Senior Staff Career Structure to reflect present realities in Nigerian universities. The current structure has stagnated the career progression of our members, and it is unheard of that there is no CONTISS 15 staff in this university when there are many qualified staff for such positions.

The workers, organized under the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), stated they are owed approximately 124 months of hazard allowance arrears, among other significant outstanding payments. These long-delayed payments have reportedly had a detrimental impact on their livelihoods.

The demands were articulated during the 80th Regular Zonal Executive Council Meeting of SSANU's South-West Zone, held at the university. Abiodun Ogungbeni, Chairman of SSANU-AAUA, detailed the extensive list of arrears, including 54 months for the 2019 minimum wage, 11 months for the 2023 salary adjustment, and promotional and incremental arrears dating back to 2023. Additionally, they seek payment for excess workload allowances, outstanding third-party deductions (including 37 months owed to cooperative societies), July 2026 salary, and gratuities and pension entitlements for retired workers since 2008.

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I wish to state that our administration has done a lot to ensure better welfare for the staff of this University. It was through our efforts that 65/70 years retirement age was implemented, we fought for the payment of the #35,000 wage award, we also ensured that the withheld January, 2017 subvention was released.

Ogungbeni also called for a comprehensive review of the Senior Staff Career Structure to align with current realities in Nigerian universities, noting that the existing structure has stagnated career progression. He urged for the full implementation of the 2026 SSANU/FGN agreement and timely payment of salaries. Despite these grievances, Ogungbeni acknowledged efforts by the university administration, including the implementation of a 65/70-year retirement age, payment of a wage award, and the release of withheld subvention. He also noted recent appointments and conversion exercises for staff members.

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And recently, 143 members of staff benefited from Conversion exercise into various cadres and 13 Deputy Registrars as well as 5 Deputy Bursars were appointed which was the first time such a large appointment was made in our university.